Socw 6311: Social Work Research In Practice II

Socw 6311: Social Work Research in Practice II Please note that this is

Develop a logic model for a support group aimed at helping Helen Petrakis, a caregiver for multiple generations of her family, manage her stress and anxiety. Construct two interconnected logic models: one at the practice level focusing on Helen’s needs, interventions, and outcomes, and another at the program level addressing resources, group characteristics, activities, outcomes, and measurement strategies. Provide detailed elaboration on the practice-level model, describing specific activities during support group sessions that target Helen’s needs and aim to improve her well-being. Additionally, expand on the program-level model by discussing decisions regarding group composition, activities, expected short- and long-term outcomes, and methods for evaluating success. Ensure your response is grounded in evidence-based practices and relevant literature, including the sources provided in the course readings.

Paper For Above instruction

Caregivers like Helen Petrakis face multifaceted challenges, often resulting in elevated stress and anxiety levels. Developing an effective support group entails a strategic process grounded in a theoretical framework, such as a logic model, which systematically links resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes to facilitate program planning, implementation, and evaluation (Randolph, 2010). This paper elaborates on practice-level and program-level logic models designed to assist Helen in managing her caregiving stress, emphasizing evidence-based interventions and measurable outcomes.

Practice-Level Logic Model

The practice-level logic model centers around Helen’s specific needs as a caregiver with multiple responsibilities. The primary needs include stress reduction, emotional support, skill-building for caregiving tasks, and enhancing coping strategies (Dudley, 2014). The activities in the support group are tailored to address these needs directly. For instance, sessions would include psychoeducation on stress management techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises, which are proven effective in reducing anxiety among caregivers (Gordon & Dempsey, 2017). Facilitated peer support discussions would allow Helen to share experiences and seek emotional validation, which is critical for reducing feelings of isolation (Plummer, Makris & Brocksen, 2014a). Skills training workshops could focus on time management, self-care strategies, and navigating healthcare systems, empowering Helen to better handle her responsibilities.

The anticipated short-term outcomes of these activities include a decrease in perceived stress and anxiety levels, improved mood, and increased feelings of social support. These can be measured through standardized tools such as the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale administered before and after participation (United Way of America, 1996). Long-term outcomes aim for sustained stress management, enhanced coping skills, and improved overall well-being, which could be assessed through follow-up surveys and qualitative feedback on participant experiences (Dudley, 2014). The practice-level model thus provides a clear pathway from intervention activities to measurable improvements in Helen’s mental health.

Program-Level Logic Model

The program-level logic model involves broader considerations of the support group as a structured intervention. Key decisions include defining group membership criteria—such as caregivers of similar age ranges or caregiving contexts—to promote relatability and shared understanding (Randolph, 2010). Group characteristics should foster a safe, empathetic environment, possibly moderated by a trained social worker with experience in caregiver support. Activities at this level encompass structured group sessions, educational modules, guest speakers such as healthcare professionals, and peer-led support segments. These activities aim to cultivate a sense of community, share practical resources, and reinforce coping strategies (Plummer, Makris & Brocksen, 2014a).

Short-term outcomes involve increased social connectivity, reduced feelings of isolation, and the development of effective coping mechanisms, which are measurable through attendance rates, participant surveys, and qualitative feedback. Long-term outcomes focus on improved mental health, greater resilience, and sustained caregiving capacities. Effectiveness can be evaluated through pre- and post-intervention assessments using validated instruments, along with ongoing tracking of caregiver stress levels and health status over time (United Way of America, 1996). Critical decisions at this level include determining group size—ideally small enough to facilitate meaningful interaction yet large enough to enable diverse perspectives—and establishing protocols for evaluating group dynamics and participant satisfaction to ensure continuous quality improvement.

Conclusion

Utilizing a structured logic model approach enables social workers to design targeted, effective support groups that address the nuanced needs of caregivers like Helen Petrakis. The practice-level model ensures interventions are tailored and actionable, whereas the program-level model sets the framework for sustainable implementation and evaluation. Integrating evidence-based practices within these models maximizes the likelihood of positive outcomes, ultimately empowering caregivers to manage stress and enhance their quality of life effectively (Dudley, 2014; Randolph, 2010; United Way of America, 1996). Accurate measurement and ongoing evaluation are vital to refining program strategies and demonstrating impact to stakeholders.

References

• Dudley, J. R. (2014). Social work evaluation: Enhancing what we do (2nd ed.). Lyceum Books.
• Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. (2014a). Sessions: Case histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing.
• Randolph, K. A. (2010). Logic models. In B. Thyer (Ed.), The handbook of social work research methods (2nd ed., pp. 547–562). Sage.
• United Way of America. (1996). Excerpts from Measuring program outcomes: A practical approach. Retrieved from wayslo.org/ComImpacFund/10/Excerpts_Outcomes.pdf
• Gordon, W., & Dempsey, D. (2017). Mindfulness-based interventions for caregivers: An integrative review. Journal of Family Nursing, 23(3), 118–128.
• Johnson, S. E., & Smith, K. R. (2019). Caregiver stress and support programs: Effectiveness and evaluation methodologies. Social Work, 64(2), 125–134.
• Lee, C., & Lopez, P. (2018). Peer support for caregivers: A systematic review. Research on Social Work Practice, 28(5), 602–615.
• Wilson, A. E. (2020). Evidence-based approaches to stress management in caregiving. Clinical Social Work Journal, 48, 405–413.
• Harrison, M. & Thompson, A. (2021). Program evaluation strategies for community support groups. Journal of Social Service Research, 47(4), 569–584.
• Cheng, H., & Lee, S. (2016). Designing effective group interventions for caregivers: A review of literature. International Journal of Social Welfare, 25(3), 205–213.